The United States has refused to issue visas to some members of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's delegation ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. According to Iranian state media, members of Pezeshkian's communications team were among those denied visas. This development has been described as an "unprecedented hostile move" by the administration of US President Joe Biden, although the article from P.M. News attributes the US President as Donald Trump.
Pezeshkian is expected to be the highest-ranking Iranian official to visit the United States since the Middle East war began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. He is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday. The US State Department has approved the Iranian delegation's visit for the UN meeting but will impose some restrictions, similar to those placed on the delegation last year.
The US State Department said on Thursday that members of the Iranian delegation would not be allowed to purchase luxury goods and certain other items during their stay. This move is seen as part of the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is part of the delegation, left Iran on Sunday evening and travelled to Qatar as part of his journey to the United States.
Iran says it has sent conditions to Washington through Qatar, which is acting as a mediator, for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The route is important for the global supply of oil and gas. Iran has restricted shipping through the strategic waterway since the war began. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for international oil shipments.
The United States has responded by imposing a counter blockade on Iranian ports. This has further escalated tensions between the two countries. The visit by Pezeshkian's delegation comes amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States. The Iranian president's trip to the UN General Assembly is seen as an opportunity for diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
Iranian state media reported the development on Monday, saying members of Pezeshkian's communications team were among those denied visas. The Mehr news agency also reported the development, citing a spokesperson for the Iranian presidency. The Iranian delegation's visit to the US has been approved, but with certain restrictions in place.
The US denial of visas to some members of Pezeshkian's delegation has been seen as a significant development in the ongoing tensions between Iran and the US. The two countries have been at odds over various issues, including the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian nuclear activities.
Key points
- The US has denied visas to some members of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's delegation to the UN General Assembly.
- The Iranian delegation's visit to the US has been approved, but with certain restrictions in place.
- The US and Iran have been at odds over various issues, including the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian nuclear activities.
